conflict resolution – Naty Matos

Why do so many arguments feel like they go in circles?

You start talking about dishes, tone, or timing… and somehow it turns into something much bigger. The truth is, most relationship conflict isn’t about the surface issue. It’s about what’s happening underneath — the hurt spots, fears, and emotional wounds that get triggered when we feel unsafe.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Dan Schneider to unpack one powerful truth: emotional safety is the foundation of lasting intimacy.

When emotional safety is missing, even small misunderstandings can feel threatening. But when it’s present, couples can:

Express needs without fear of criticism
Disagree without escalating
Repair trust after hurt
Rebuild closeness even after setbacks

Dr. Schneider shares practical, research-backed tools to help couples:

Communicate without spiraling into blame
Identify and talk about “hurt spots” before they explode
Make daily “trust deposits” that strengthen the connection
Use structured conversations that actually lead somewhere
Reignite intimacy through intentional moments of connection

One of the most powerful ideas he introduces? Trust is like a piggy bank. Every honest conversation and consistent action is a deposit. But when trust is broken, the coins spill out — and repair requires intentional rebuilding.

If you’ve ever thought:

“Why do we keep having the same fight?”
“How do we rebuild after trust has been shaken?”
“Is it possible to feel close again?”

This episode is for you.

We’re not just talking about avoiding conflict. We’re talking about transforming it — using it as a doorway to deeper understanding, stronger emotional safety, and lasting intimacy.

Dr. Dan Sneider, Ed.D. is a couples therapist and educator. He is also the creator of The Intimacy Shift, a 12-week program helping couples rebuild emotional safety and lasting connection.
Dr. Sneider blends Emotionally Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, attachment theory, neuroscience, and practical communication tools. His approach is structured, compassionate, and deeply rooted in helping partners understand themselves and each other in a new way.

To contact Dr. Sneider: https://intimacyshift.com/

Visitors to his website will get FREE access to my ‘6 Keys to Unlocking Intimate Conversations with Your Partner.’ It is a unique 12-page PDF. It includes templates, tools, and practices to transform your relationship.Here are links to his socials also: Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

🎧 Tune in to hear how small, intentional shifts can radically change the emotional climate of your relationship. Discover why vulnerability is the missing piece to the connection you’ve been craving.

Parenting is one of life’s most rewarding experiences—but let’s be honest, it’s also one of the toughest. Sleepless nights, constant compromises, and the challenge of balancing a relationship while raising little humans can feel overwhelming. Add the complexities of a blended family, and it’s no surprise relationships can feel stretched to their limits.

In this heartfelt and empowering episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, hosts Naty and Veda sit down with licensed marriage and family therapist Reesa Morala to uncover the unfiltered realities of parenting and relationships. Reesa, a Gottman-trained therapist and mom of two, shares invaluable insights on navigating the rocky terrain of parenthood without losing yourself—or your partner—along the way.

You’ll hear about:

How parenting impacts personal identity: Reesa explains why many parents feel like they’ve lost themselves and how to reconnect with who you are outside of being “mom” or “dad.”
Blended family dynamics: Building bonds with new family members can be tricky. Reesa shares why patience and boundaries are key to creating harmony.
Communication strategies that actually work: Learn simple tools to stop fights before they escalate and foster understanding instead of resentment.
The power of humor and joy: Even in the chaos of parenting, moments of laughter can bring you and your partner closer together.
Prioritizing self-care: Discover why taking care of yourself is one of the best gifts you can give your family.

Reesa’s warm, relatable style will leave you feeling seen, supported, and inspired to tackle the highs and lows of parenting with renewed hope. Whether you’re navigating life as a parent in a blended family or simply looking to strengthen your relationship, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real talk you won’t want to miss.

Reesa Morala is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. Reesa is the owner of Embrace Renewal Therapy & Wellness Collective and host of The Real Family Eats. She is dedicated to being a parenting ally, helping parents create thriving families by prioritizing their relationships. Her passion is fueled by her overcoming generational trauma in her own life and navigating the tough transition into parenthood. She provides couples therapy, couples workshops, and parenting workshops in her private practice. In her videocast, she speaks with parents dishing on the real parenting struggle while dishing on their favorite recipes. Both ventures aim to help parents feel less alone in the hard times and support their success as a family. To reach Reesa just click here.

Ready to prioritize your relationship while thriving as a parent? Tune in to this episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse to learn how. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation transforming families everywhere.